Our 2018 Fall issue of Song Discovery is again varied in song selections. We’ve chosen both songs that are wonderful for congregational singing and songs that are meant to be sung over a congregation, as in “special music”. You’ll again notice both songs submitted by independent recording artists as well as artists signed to labels.

At some point in the process every songwriter, past or present has had to determine for themselves if the extra effort is worth it. Do things like rhyme really matter? Does style outweigh substance or is substance itself merely a relative term subject to cultural influences? And does any of this really make for a better song?

Pastors and Worship Leaders, we are meant to be encouraged by the Dismissal as well. As we go about the mission and ministry of the Church, we are faced with difficulties. Criticisms, sorrows, and yes, even betrayals, are all too common realities for those charged with leading the Church. And yet, hear the truth of the Benediction and the resolve of the Sending Forth: Who you are, makes you blessed.

Churches need to deliver content to more platforms and in higher quality, and the increasing accessibility of more affordable and capable production technology is making it easier to do this than ever before. When churches buy new technology they need to think about more than its ease of use and durability. They have to consider image quality and how it can help them achieve the right “look” they need.

When it comes to making sure you and the musicians at your church have all the tools needed to bring worship songs to life, not all budgets are created equal. And whether you bring your own music gear or the church provides you with instruments, one fact remains: Music gear can be expensive.